Laramie, WY
UplinkRobotics - 2026 Spirit of Wyoming Award Winner
Uplink Robotics
Celebrating Wyoming’s Homegrown, Award-Winning Tech Pioneers
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Innovation Funding & FAST Program
Access $100,000 to $1 million in federal funding through SBIR and STTR programs. We help Wyoming entrepreneurs research, develop, and commercialize innovative ideas.
$2.4M
SBIR/STTR Awards
Secured by clients in 2025
10
Contracts Won
SBIR/STTR grants awarded
$2.5B
Available Annually
Federal funding opportunities
What are SBIR & STTR Programs?
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive federal funding opportunities that support research and development with commercialization potential.
Each year, the federal government makes $2.5 billion available to help entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into marketable products and services. These are grants, not loans — you don't have to pay them back or give up equity in your company.
The Wyoming SBDC Network provides free, confidential assistance throughout the entire process, from determining eligibility to submitting proposals and commercializing your innovation.
Participating Federal Agencies
Department of Defense (DoD)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Department of Energy (DOE)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Department of Commerce (DOC)
Department of Education (ED)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Take the First Step
Ready to explore SBIR/STTR funding? Connect with your local advisor today.
Program Benefits
Comprehensive support to help you secure and succeed with SBIR/STTR funding
Non-Dilutive Funding
SBIR and STTR awards are grants, not equity investments. You retain full ownership of your company while receiving federal funding to develop your innovation.
Technical Assistance
Get expert guidance throughout the entire application process. Our advisors help with proposal writing, budget development, and compliance requirements.
Market Research
Access comprehensive market research services to strengthen your proposal. Understand your target market, competition, and commercialization opportunities.
Proposal Development
Apply for up to $5,000 in assistance for Phase I proposals and another $5,000 for Phase II. Get professional help crafting competitive applications.
State Matching Funds
Wyoming offers potential state matching funds to supplement your federal SBIR/STTR awards, providing additional resources for your research and development.
Commercialization Support
Receive ongoing business advising to help transition from research to market. We assist with investor pitches, business planning, and growth strategies.
Your Path to Innovation Funding
Follow these five steps to secure SBIR/STTR funding for your innovation.
- Schedule a meeting with your local SBDC advisor
- Discuss your innovative idea and business goals
- Determine eligibility for SBIR/STTR programs
- Learn about Wyoming-specific support and resources
- Get personalized guidance on the application process
- Work with SBDC to develop a compelling proposal
- Access the Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI) program
- Apply for up to $5,000 in proposal development assistance
- Receive expert guidance on technical and business components
- Learn best practices for federal grant applications
- Get feedback and review before final submission
- Typical Phase I awards: $50,000 - $250,000
- Duration: 6-12 months for proof-of-concept
- Test technical feasibility of your innovation
- Develop initial prototype or demonstration
- Explore Wyoming state matching fund opportunities
- Document results and prepare for Phase II
- Typical Phase II awards: $750,000 - $1,000,000
- Duration: Up to 2 years for full development
- Complete research and development work
- Build production-ready prototypes
- Access additional $5,000 in proposal assistance
- Prepare for commercialization and market entry
- Develop comprehensive commercialization strategy
- Create effective investor pitch decks
- Connect with venture capital and angel investors
- Explore licensing and partnership opportunities
- Receive guidance on scaling your business
- Access ongoing business advising support
"The Wyoming SBDC's support was instrumental in helping us secure our SBIR Phase I and Phase II awards. Their expertise in proposal development and commercialization strategy was invaluable."
– Wyoming SBIR/STTR Recipient
Success Stories
See how Wyoming entrepreneurs have used SBIR/STTR funding to bring their innovations to market.
Wyoming
Power Theory Inc.
Power Theory Inc.
Power Theory Inc., a venture launched on the final day of 2023, was established with a mission to make sustainability visible, measurable, and actionable. Armed with a blend of engineering prowess, business acumen, and psychological insight, the team developed the PowerTwin platform a digital twin that transforms complex facilities into intuitive, data-driven ecosystems.
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Sheridan, Wyoming
Blacktooth Aerospace
Blacktooth Aerospace
Blacktooth Aerospace is a startup developing advanced materials for critical applications like ballistic protection, impact absorption, and thermal management.
Secured first major R&D contract with military
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Get in Touch With Us
Have questions about SBIR/STTR funding? We're here to help.
Beyond Innovation Funding
We offer comprehensive business support services to help you succeed at every stage.